Eat At Taipei (Chinatown Point)

Ambience: This outlet is part of the revamped Chinatown Point building and is located in one corner, facing (overlooking) the street. Done up to look like a Taiwanese snack bar, the restaurant has a large dining area with wooden tables and stools. A bar in the corner churns out Taiwanese beverages like bubble tea. The pillars are adorned with colourful street signages advertising their popular street snacks.

Parking: Ample parking in the shopping centre.

Cuisine: Touted to serve authentic Taiwanese food, but we did not find find the tastes palatable at or authentic at all. The Vermicelli with Oyster and Pigs Intestine ($8.90) was the most authentic tasting dish we ordered with quite a good amount of oysters in flavourful broth. The Tainan Coffin Toast ($9.90)was crispy on the outside, soft on the inside with creamy seafood filling. Our mains, Spicy Taiwanese Braised Beef Noodles ($12.50) and Taiwan-style Braised Minced Pork Rice ($9.50) were bland and uninspiring.

Beverages and Dessert: The usual Pearl Milk Tea and Bubble Tea (from $3.80) selection and Shaved Ice desserts (from $7.90) make for good conversation after meals, or for a hot and lazy weekday afternoon.

Service: Staffed by a team of older workers and some affable youngsters, the service is casual but efficient. At times, when the crowd swells, the staff actually look quite perplexed.

Verdict: Nice comfortable place for Taiwanese drinks and desserts, but the cooked food was not to our liking, and rather pricey.